How's the Weather Up There?
Daddy Treetops - Daddy reetops Short Stories Tall Tales, Treetops Enterprises, TTA0101. Available on CD.
I hope Treetops won't mind if I cut to the highlight of this debut solo recording, at least for me. My all time favorite rural blues recording is Tommy Johnson's "Maggie Campbell Blues". A close second, or third, is Johnson's "Big Fat Mama" Treetops covers "Maggie Campbell" lyrics with "Big Fat Mama" melody lines. How phat is that? This Treetop staple is presented in a full band setting, including a sawing fiddle playing harmonica-like fill figures. I recently heard a cover of "Maggie" by the Muddy Waters Band. Dare I say it? I like Treetops' version better.
The centerpieces of this recording are Treetops voice and his National Resonator guitar. Precisely what you'll hear at one of his gigs. Award extra points, here, for not wrapping himself in studio tricks and jimcracks. J'st honest niusic from an honest music veteran.
Besides several blues covers, there are five original songs. These well crafted, and wryly humorous, efforts are polished to a high gloss by endless bandstand refinement on Northwest stages. Best among them, to my ear, is the celebratory "Heather Knows Better (Than the Rest)". The chugging National guitar mythms propel this tribute to blind lust forever forward. The electric guitar parts recall the tone and edge of "Bang The Gong". The lyrics conjure up whiskey soaked memories of short skirts, high heels, and dangerous libidos whipping the boys at the bar into a frenzy from countless nightclub dance floors. Pure, unabridged, rock and roll ofthe glorious kind.
It's a must for Daddy Treetops fans. It's a solid listen for those of you who don't know Tree from a manhole cover.
Uncle Ray
August 1998 - The Every Other Weekly
October 1998 - Victory Music Review
Winter '98/'99 - Blue Suede News
February 1999 - WA Blues Society The Bluesletter
We appreciate your time and interest in the versatile talents of this wonderfully unique performer. For any further information and booking particulars, please contact Daddy Treetops at;